any of you should seeme to come short of it Heb. 4 1. For hee that commeth to GOD must beleeue that GOD is and that hee is a rewarder of them that diligently seeke him Heb. 11 6. Here mee therefore O IVDAH and yee inhabitants of Ierusalem beleeue in the Lord your GOD so shall yee be established beleeue his Prophets so shall yee prosper 2 Chron. 20 20. For these things are written that yee might beleeue that IESVS is CHRIST the Son of GOD and in believing yee might haue life through him Ioâ— 20 3â— Now the GOD of hope fill you with all ioy and peace in believing that yee may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost Rom. 15 13. 2 Having therefore these Promises dearely beloved let vs cleanse our selues from all filthinesse of the Flesh and Spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of GOD 2 Corinth 7.1 And bee not conformed to this World but bee yee transformed by the renewing of your mind that yee may prooue what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of GOD Rom. 12 2. And he that will loue Life and see good dayes let him refraine his tongue from evill and his lippes that they speake no guile Let him eschew evill and doe good let him seeke peace and pursue it 1 Pet. 3 10. For this is a faithfull saying and these things I will that thou affirme constantly that they which haue beleeved in GOD might bee carefull to maintaine good Workes for these things are good and profitable vnto Men Titus 3 8. Obserue therefore and heare all these things which I command thee that it may be well with thee and with thy Children after thee for ever when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy GOD Deut. 12 28.6 17 18 4 39 40. 10 12 13. Iosh 3 5. Therefore giue diligence to adde to your Faith vertue and to Vertue knowledge and to Knowledge temperance and to Temperance patience and to Patience godlinesse and to Godlâ—nesse brotherly kindnesse and to Brotherly kindnesse Charitie 2. Pet. 1 5. And let vs heare the conclusion of the whole matter feare GOD and keepe his Commandements for this is the whole duty of Man Eccles 12 1â— Which if yee doe yee shall never fall 2 Pet 1.10 Now if it seeme evill vnto you to serue the Lord choose you this day whom yee will serue c. But as for me and my house wee will serue the LORD Iâ—sh 24 1â— For all people every one wâ—ll walke in the name of his GOD and wee will walke in the name of the Lord our GOD for ever and ever Mâ—cha 4 5. O house of IACOB come yee also and walke in the light of the Lord Isa 2 5. Provoking one another vnto Loue and good Workes Heb. 10 24 And exhorting one another daily while it is called to day Heb. 3 13. CHAP. LI. Of the Wicked and of their Reward Q MAy it bee expected that all should be mooued by these promises vnto the exercise of faith and new obedience A. Nothing lesse for there are some who walke after their owne vngodly Lusts these be they who seperate themselues sensuall having not the Spirit Iud. 18. Of whom I haue told you often and now tell you even weeping that they are Enemies to the Crosse of CHRIST Phil. 3 18. For as they that are after the spirit doe mind the things of the Spirit so these being after the flesh the things of the flesh Because their carnall mind is enmitie against GOD for it is not subiect to the Law of GOD neither indeed can be Rom. 8 5.7 But are wicked and sinners before the Lord Gen. 13 13. Rebelling against the Commandement of the LORD their GOD not beleeving nor hearkening to his voice Deut. 9 23. They are corrupt and haue done abhominable works Psal 14 1. I haue called them transgressours from the wombe Isa 48.8 A perverse and crooked generation Deut. 32 5.20 Their vine is of the vine of Sodome and of the fields of Gomorah their grapes are the grapes of gall their clusters are bitter their wine is the poyson of Dragons the cruell venome of Aspes Deut. 32 32. Behold their sinne is come before mee Iona. 1 2. And I am pressed vnder them as a Cart is pressed that is full of sheaues Amos 2 13. And their sinnes are written with a pen of Iron and with the point of a Diamond and it is graven vpon the tables of their hearts and vpon the hornes of their Altars Ier. 17 1. They haue a whorish fore-head they will not be ashamed Ier. 3 3. But are obstinate and their necke is an iron sinew and their brow brasse Isa 48 4. For they haue sold themselues to worke wickednesse in the sight of the LORD 1 King 21 20. GOD is not in all theyr thoughts Psal 10.4 And though I earnestly protested vnto their Fathers rising early and protesting saying Obey my voice yet they obeyed not nor enclined their eare but walked every one in the imagination of their owne evill heart Ier. 11 7. Ezek. 16.49 Ier. 44.9 16 11. Gen. 38.7 Exod. 5 2.14.11.15.24.16 3 17.2.32.7 Iudg. 2.11 Psal 53.2.78.10 Prou. 21.10 Hos 10 4. Q. Is there no reward for such men as these from God A. Is not destruction to the wicked and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquitie Iob. 31 3. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the foole and rewardeth the transgressours Prou. 26 10. According to his wayes and according to his doings will hee recompence him Hos 12 2. The transgressours shall bee destroyed together and the end of the wicked shall be cut off Psalm 37.38 GOD shall raine snares fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest this shall bee the portion of their Cup Psal 11 6. And the heritage appointed vnto them by God Iob. 20 â—9 For is not this laid vp in store with mee and sealed vp among my treasures saith the Lord Deu. 32 34. Even as I haue seene they that plow iniquity and sow wickednesse reape the same Iob. 4.8 Trouble and anguish shall make them afraid they shall prevaile against them as a King ready to the battell Iob. 15.24 And I will feed them with wormewood and giue them water of gall to drinke Ier. 9.15 Yea I will bring such evill vpon them that whosoever heareth of it both his eares shall tingle 2 King 21 11. And if they will not for all this hearken vnto me then I will punish them seven times more for their sinnes Leu. 26 18. And if they walke contrary vnto mee and will not hearken vnto me I will bring seven times more plagues vpon them according to their sinnes c. And if they will not be reformed by these things but will walke contrary to me then will I also walke â—â—ntrary to them and will yet punish them â—ven times more for their sinnes Leu. â—6 21. Terrours shall take hold of them 〈◊〉 waters a
Christ being come in the flesh A. 1. Herein behold your happinesse aboue many who doe see and heare of these things for verily I say vnto you that many Prophets and righteous men haue desired to see those things which you see and haue not seene them and to heare those things which yee heare and haue not heard them Mat. 13.16.17 2 According to the voyce of one crying in the wildernesse Prepare ye the way of the Lord make his paths straigth Mark 1.3 in the desert an high way for our God Isa 40.3 3 Reioyce greatly O daughter of Zion shoute O daughter of Ierusalem behold thy King commeth vnto thee Zech. 9.9 and cry saying Hosanna to the son of Dauid Blessed is hee that commeth in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest heauens Mat. 21.9 And Blessed bee the Lord God of Israel for hee hath visited and redeemed his people and he hath raised vp a horne of saluation for vs in the house of his seruant Dauid as he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets which haue beene since the world beganne Luke 1.68 c. Luke 1.54 55 46 47. Mat. 23.39 Mar. 11.10 4 Oh Zion that bringest good tidings get thee vp into the high mountaines of Ierusalem that bringest good tidings lift vp thy voyce be not afraide say vnto the Cities of Iudah behold your God Isa 52.7 and to the daughters of Zion behold thy saluation is come behold his reward is with him and his worke before him Isa 62.11 5 Then if any man shall say vnto you Lo heere is Christ or lo there beleeue it not For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets and shall shew great signes and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceiue the very Elect. Behold I haue told you before wherefore if they shall say vnto you Behold he is in the desert goe not forth behold hee is in the secret chambers beleeue it not c. Mat. 24.23 c. Ob. If these tydings be so good why is Christ said to be a stumbling-blocke and a rocke of offence to both the houses of Israel Isa 8.14 A. Vnto you which beleeue hee is precious onely vnto them which be disobedient the stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner And iâ— stone of stumbling and a rocke of offence euen to them that stumble at the Word being disobedient whereunto also they werâ— appoynted 1 Pet 2.7.8 Isa 59.20 CHAP. IIII. Vnion with CHRIST Q. VVHat interest haue belieuers in Christ thus promised and exhibited A. Christ is wholly ours for heâ— came vnto his owne Ioh. 1.11 And vntâ— vs a Sonne is borne and vnto vs a childâ—â—â—â—iuen Isa 9.6 Q. By what meanes came Christ to bee ours A. By being vnited vnto him for we are in him that is true euen in the Sonne of God Iesus Christ 1 Ioh. 5.20 For saith hee Father I will that they may be one as thou O Father art in mee and I in thee that they may be one in vs I in them and thou in mee that they may bee made perfect in one Ioh. 17.21 23. He therefore that is ioyned to the Lord is one spirit 1 Cor. 6.17 for in the dispensation of the fulnes of times he doth gather together in one all things in Christ both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in him Ephes 1.10 Ioh. 14.20.17.11 Q. By what similitudes doth the Scripture set out this our vnion with Christ A. They are many 1 Of a building For thus saith the Lord Behold I lay in Zion a stone a tryed stone a precious corner stone a sure foundation Isa 28.16 And other foundation can no man laie then that which is laid which is Iesus Christ 1 Cor. 3.11 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth vnto an holy Temple in the Lord Ephes 2.21 2 Of house and inhabitants Christ as a sonne is ouer his own house whose house are we Heb. 3.7 In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the spirit Eph. 2.22 who dwelleth in you 1 Cor. 3.16 and maketh his aboade with you Iohn 14.23.6.56 1 Cor. 6.19 3 Of consanguinity For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified being all one hee is not ashamed to call them brethren Heb. 2.11 But doth professe that whosoeuer doth the will of God is his brother sister and mother Mark 3.35 4 Of husband and wife vnto whom we are betrothed and espowsed Hos 2.19 20 2 Cor. 11.2 euen as the bride-grome to the bride Ioh. 3.29 whereby our maker is become our husband Isa 54.5 And is the head of his Church as the husband is the head of his wife Eph. 5.23 5 Of head and members Hee is the head of the body the Church Col. 1.18 and we are members of his body of his flesh and of his bones Eph. 5.30 for as the body is one hath many members all the members of that one body being many are one body so also is Christ 1 Cor. 12.12 Know ye not therefore that your bodies are the members of Christ 1 Cor. 6.15 Ephes 1.22 23. Collos 1.24 Rom. 12.4 5. 6 Of the vine and branches Whereof Christ is the vine and we are the branches Iohn 15.5 Q. What may this our Vnion with Christ teach A. To examine and to prooue your owne selues Kow yee not your owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in you except yee be reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 Q. Lay me down some marks wherby our vnion with Christ may be known A. 1 Because Christ dwelleth in our hearts by faith Ephes 3.17 Therefore examine your selues whether you bee in the faith 2 Cor. 13.5 2 Heereby we know that hee abideth in vs by the Spirit which he hath giuen vs. 1 Iohn 3.24 But if any man haue not the spirit of Christ the same is not his Rom. 8.9 1 Ioh. 4.13 3. Whosoeuer shall confesse that Iesus is the Sonne of God dwelleth in him and he in God 1 Ioh. 4.15 4. By this shall all men know that you are his Disciples if yee haue loue one to another Ioh. 13. â—5 God is loue and he that dwelleth in loue dwelleth in God God in him 1 Ioh. 4.16.1.4.11 12 1.2.9.10 5. Whosoeuer abideth in him sinneth not whosoeuer sinneth hath not seene him nor knowne him 1 Ioh. 3.6 But he that keepeth the commandements dwelleth in him and he in him 1 Ioh. 3.24 Ioh. 15.5.6 13.18 Gal. 5.24 Q. What if vpon due examination I doe find my selfe to be out of Christ A. For this cause bow your knees vnto the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory c. that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that you beeing rooted and grounded in loue may be able to comprehend with al Saints what is the bredth length and depth and height to know the loue of Christ which passeth knowledge that
to see Gods Children walking in the truth Ioh. 3. Epist 4. And are aliue if they stand fast in the Lord 1. Thes 3 8. Phil. 2.7 2. Chron. 29 36. 6 By loue towards Gods Ministers For Paul doth beare record vnto the Galathians that they would haue plucked out their owne eyes and given them to him Gal. 4 15. Priscilla also and Aquila haue for his life laid down their owne necks Rom. 16 3.4 2. Tim. 1.16 1. King 18 4. 7 Loue to Gods people I could wish saith Paul that my selfe were accursed from CHRIST for my Brethren my kinsmen according to the flesh Rom. 9 3. And if saith Moses to GOD thou wilt not forgiue their sins blot me I pray thee out of thy booke which thou hast written Exod. 32 32. 2. Cor. 9 1 2 8 1 2. 2 Zeale of disliking affections For Lot that righteous man dwelling among them of the old world in seeing and hearing vexed his righteous Soule from day to day with their vnlawfull deeds 2. Pet. 2.8 And doe not I hate them O Lord that hate thee and am I not grieved with them that rise vp against thee I hate them with a perfect hatred I count them mine enemies Psal 139 21. The zeale of thine house hath eaten mee vp and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen vpon mee Psal 69 9. Psal 119 53. Psal 119 136 139 158. vers Act. 17 16. Ier. 9 2. Exod. 32 19. Nehem. 13.21 25.1 4. Isa 30.22 Num. 25 8. Rom. 15 3 9. 2 Phil. 3 18. Ezra 9 3. Dan. 10 2. 1 Sam. 4 18 21 22. Q. What may wee learne from all this A. Not to be sloathfull to doe service but to be fervent in Spirit serving the Lord Rom. 12 11. And to be valiant for the Truth vpon the Earth Ier. 9 3. Knowing that if you loose your first loue God will remoue your Candlesticke out of his place Revel 2 4. And if you shall bee luke-warme hee will spew you out of his mouth Revel 3 16. CHAP. XXIII Of Charity Iustice and Content Q. BVt with our loue to GOD shall wee also haue charitable hearts vnto men A. You are taught of God to loue one another 1. Thes 4 9. whereby the Charity of every one of you all one towards another aboundeth 2. Thes 1 3. Q. Wherein shall our Charity towards our Brethren bee exercised and exprâ—ssed A. 1 Towards their Soules 1 As STEPHEN who prayed for his persecuters crying with a loude voyce Lord lay not this sinne to their charge Act. 7.60 And as DAVID who when his Enemies were sicke his cloathing was Sack-cloath hee humbled himselfe with fasting Psal 35 13. And as ABRAHAM for ABIMILECH Gen. 20 17. MOSES for PHARAOH Exod. 8 12. for Israel Exod. 17 11. and for MIRIAM Num. 12 13. 1. Sam. 12 18. 1. King 13 6. Dan. 9 20. Zach. 1 12 13. Acts 12 5. 2 As DAVID Psal 32 8. and SALOMON Prov. 1 2. and IOB who instructed many and strengthened the weake hands Iob 4 3 So to bee a guide of the blind a light to them which are in darknesse an instructer of the foolish a teacher of Babes Rom. 2 19. In meeknesse instructing those also that oppose themselues if God per aduenture will giue them Repentance 2. Tim. 2 25. 2 Towards their Bodies and therein first Let them be as thine owne bowels in the Lord Phil. 20. That so thy bowels may sound like a Harpe as for Moab and thy inward parts as for Kirharesh Isa 16 11. Saying looke away from me I will weepe bitterly labour not to comfort me because of the spoyling of the Daughter of my people Isa 22 4. For how can I indure to see the destruction of my kindred Esther 8 6. Iob 30 25. Ier. 9 1 48 31. Psal 35.13.14 2 Sam. 1 11 c. 2 In keeping Hospitalitie as did the old man of mount Ephraim who comming from his worke and lifting vp his eyes hee saw a way faring man in the street of the Citie hee brought him into his house and gaue provander to the Asses and they washed their feet and they did eate and drinke Iudg. 19 16 21 ver And as the Brethren of Ierusalem who gladly receiued PAVL with other Disciples of Samaria and of his company Acts 21.16 And as OBADIAâ— who tooke an hundred Prophets and hid them by fiftie in a Caue and fed them with Bread and water 1 King 18 4. 2 Sam. 6.19 Acts 16.34 3 In giuing Almes For TABITHA was full of good Workes and Almes-deeds which she did Act. 9.36 CORNELIVS also gaue much Almes to the people Acts 10.2 And the Disciples every man according to his abilitie sent reliefe vnto the Brethren which dwelt in Iudea and sent it to the Elders by the hands of BARNABAS and SAVL Act. 11.29 We doe you also to â—it Brethren of the grace of God bestowed â—n the Churches of Macedonia how that 〈◊〉 great tryall of affliction c. their deepe poverty abounded vnto the riches of their liberalitie For to their power I bare record yea and beyond their power they were willing of themselues 2 Cor. 8.1 2 Cor. 9.1 2 Tim. 1.16 Acts 20.34 Rom. 16.1 2. Act. 4.32 Psal 37.21 2 Chro. 28.15 Thus the righteous considereth the cause of the Poore but the wicked regardeth not to know it Pro. 29.7 For they will send the Widowes away empty and the armes of the Fatherlesse will they breake Iob 22.9 Iob 24 6. Amos 2.7 2 Sam 23.7 Prou. 12.10 Iudg. 5.23 2 Chro. 19.2 Isa 32 6. Q. What therefore must wee doe A. Seeing yee haue purified your soules in obeying the truth through the Spirit vnto an vnfained loue of the Brethren see that yee loue one another with a pure heart fervently 1 Pet. 1 22. And bee yee followers of God as deare children and walke in Loue as CHRIST also hath loued vs Ephes 5 1. That as you abound in every thing in faith in vtterance and knowledge so that yee abound in this Grace also For yee know the Grace of our Lord IESVS CHRIST that though hee was rich yet for your sakes he became poore that yee through his poverty might bee made rich 2. Cor. 8 7 Remembring also his words how that hee saith It is a blessed thing to giue rather then to receiue Act. 20 35. 1. Tim. 6 18. Pro. 17 17 14 21 14 31. Luk. 14 12. 1. Pet. 4 8. 1. Cor. 16 1 2.2 8 13. 1 Thes 4.9 10. Zach. 7 9 Iudg. 1 7. 1 Sam. 15 33 Leu. 19 33 25 35. 1 Ioh. 4 20. Nehem. 8 10. Deut. 15 7. Mâ—th 5.42 Ioh. 15 12. Of Iustice Ob. I haue obserued some men who haue beene very open handed in releeuing the poore who yet haue made no Conscience to defraud the rich A. Surely Righteousnesse and Mercy shall meete together Psal 85 10. For I will also make thy officers peace and thine exactors righteousnesse Isa 60 17. Yea thy people shall bee all Righteous Isa 60 21. And
that â—well in the land of the shadow of death â—pon them hath the light shined Isa 9.2 For God who commanded the light to shine out of darknesse hath shined in your hearts to giue the light of the knowledge of God in the face of IESVS CHRIST 2 Cor. 4 6. I haue indeed spoken vnto you in Proverbes but the time commeth when I shall no more speake to you in proverbes but I shall shâ—w you plainely of the Father Ioh. 16 25. In that day shall the deafe heare the words of this Booke and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscuritie and out of darknesse Isa 29 18 35 5 32 2 50 4. Prou. 1 1 4 8 9. 1 Cor. 2 10 12. Nehem. 8 8. Luk. 24 45. Tit. 1 3. Mal. 2.7 Deut. 17 8.9 Reu. 5.5.8 Now therefore thankes bee vnto God which alwayes maketh manifest the sauour of his Knowledge by vs in every place 2 Cor. 2.14 For there is Gold and a multitude of precious Stones but the lips of Knowledge are a precious iewell Prou. 20.15 Neh. 8.12 Math. 11.25 Ob. But I am so hard-hearted that I can not be affected with the Word A. I will put a new Spirit within you and I will take the stony heart out of thy flesh and I will giue thee an heart of Flesh Ezek. 11.19 As well as to the Iewâ—s who wept when they heard the words of the Law Neb. 8.9 For is not my Word lâ—ke a fire saith the Lord and like a hammer that breaketh the Rockes in pieces Ier. 23 29.26.18 Ioh. 5.25 Act. 2.37 16.29 2 His wordes were found and I did eate them and they were vnto me the ioy and reioycing of my heart Ier. 15 16. I will therefore delight my selfe in his Statutes Psal 119.16 How sweet is his Word vnto my taste Yea sweeter then honey to my mouth Psal 119.103 Therefore my Sonne eate thou honey because it is good and the honey combe which is sweet to thy tast So shall the knowledge of wisedome be vnto thy soule when thou hast found it Prou. 24.13 Act. 15.31.13.48 Iob 23.12 Act. 2.41 Psal 119.16.17.111.174.162 verses Luk. 24.32 Ob. I am no sooner gone from the Word but all is forgotten A. The Comforter which is the holy Ghost whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoeuer I haue said vnto you Ioh. 14.26 Wherby MARY kept all those things in her heart which were told her by the Shepheards Luk. 2.19 Neither did I forget Gods word Psal 119.16 2. Pet. 1.12.13 Ob. The hardest taske is yet behind to wit to put in practise what we heare A. I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not I will leade them in the pathes that they haue not knowne I will make darknesse light before them and crocked things straight saith the LORD Isa 42.16 Who hath opened mine eares and I was not rebellious neither turned away backward Isa 50.5 Yea I haue refrained my feet from every evill way that I might keepe his word Psalm 119.101 So that when hee said seeke yee my face my heart said vnto him thy face LORD will I seeke Psal 27.8 For this is the loue of GOD that we keepe 〈◊〉 Commandements and his commandements are not grievous 1 Ioh. 5 3. Hag. 1 12. Psalm 119 15 48 57 104 â— 68. Math. 13 8.23 Col. 1 6. Luk. 1.5 â— 2. Chron. 17 6. CHAP. XXXIII Of Ministers Ob. YOu tell me of the Word and the great benefit thereof but how â—â—ould I either know or doe what the Word teacheth without a guide Act. â— 31. A. When CHRIST ascended vp on high he gaue guifts vnto men c. and he gaue some Apostles and some Prophets â—nd some Euangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the worke of the Ministerie for â—he edifying of the Body of CHRIST till we all eome in the vnity of faith and of the knowledge of the Sonne of God vnto a perfect man vnto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ Eph. 4.8.11 And therefore though the LORD giue you the bread of Adversitie and the water of Affliction yet thy Teachers shall not be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers Isa 30.20 For the Lord giveth the Word great is the company of Preachers Psal 68.11 Ier. 33.18 Leuit. 10 11. Isa 41.27 Isa 62.6 Q. But shall wee haue such Pastors as will deale faithfully with vs A. I will giue you Pastors according to mine owne heart which shall feed you with knowledge and vnderstanding Ier. 3 15. Who will very gladly spend and bee spent for you 2. Cor. 12.15 As Moses who was faithfull in all his house Heb. 3.5 And as of Leui it was said the Law of truth is in his mouth and iniquity was not found in his lips he walked with me in peace and equitie and did turne away many from iniquitie Mal. 2 6. Moreover yee know from the first day that Paul came into Asia after what manner he hath beene with you at all seasons serving the Lord with all humblenesse of mind and with many teares and temptations which befell him by the lying in wait of the Iewes and how he kept backe nothing that was profitable vnto you Act 20.18 And you know the proofe of Timothie that as a Sonne with the Father he hath served with Paul in the Gospell Phil. 2 22. And for the worke of Christ he was nigh vnto death not regarding his life Phil. 2 30. And dayly in the Temple and in every house the Disciples ceased not to teach and to preach IESVS CHRIST Acts 5 42. These are not as many which corrupt the Word of God but as of sincerity but as of God in the sight of God speake they in Christ 2 Cor. 2 17 11 23 1 9 27 1 9.19.2 Chron 17 9 8 13. Col. 4 7 10 11 1 7. Act 20 23.30 31 18 24. Ezek. 34 23. Hag. 1 13. 1 Thes 5 6 7. Ier. 23 4 4 19. 8 21 9 1 3 17. Ezra 7 6 10. 1. Sam. 3 21. Q. Wherefore are these promises recorded in Gods word concerning his Ministers A. 1. That they may be apt to teach 1 Tim. 3.2 And therefore giue attendance vnto reading 1. Tim. 4 1â— And study to shew â—heÌ„selues workmen that need not to be ashamed dividing the Word of truth aright 2 Tim. 2 â—5 For every Scribe taught vnto the Kingdome of Heaven is like vnto a man that is a housholder which bringeth forth out of his treasurie things both new an old Math. 13 52. 2 That they be diligent to know the state of their flockes and to looke well to their heards Prou. 27 23. Taking the oversight thereof 1 Pet. 5 2. For they are set for a defence and fortresse among the people that they may know and try their wayes Ier. 6 27. 3 That they feed the flocke of GOD which is among
4.67.8 Ob. This blessednesse might belong to Abraham and such as hee was but not vnto mee and such as I am A. It was not written for his sake alone that it was not imputed but vnto vs also to whom it shall not be imputed if wee beleeue on him that raised vp Iesus our Lord from the dead Rom. 4.23 1 Tim. 1.16 Ob. Many alas are the duties I might haue performed which I haue foolishly omitted A. He will not reproue thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings to haue beene continually before him Psalm 50.8 Ob. Multitudes of actuall transgressions also haue I committed some of ignorance or without obseruation many whereof are out of minde and forgotten A. Who can vnderstand hts errours Therefore say vnto God Cleanse thou mee from my secret faults Psalm 19.12 For as the high priest vnder the Law went alone once euery yeere not without blood which he offered for himselfe and for the errours of the people Hebr. 9.7 Leu. 4.2 c. 5.15 c. So CHRIST Iesus by his owne blood entred into the holy place hauing obtained eternall redemption for vs Hebr. 9.12 Acts 3.17.19 1 Tim. 1.13 Luke 7.47 Psalme 78.40.41 Acts 13.18 Psal 78 38.39 Ob. But I haue sinned also of knowledge yea presumptuously and with an high hand A. Come now let vs reason together saith the LORD though your sinnes be as scarlet they shall bee as white as snow though they bee red like crimson they shall bee as wooll Isai 1.18 For verily I say vnto you all manner of sinnes and blasphemies shall be forgiuen vnto men Math. 12.31 Leu. 5.13.6.5.6.7 Leu. 19.20 c. Luk. 7.47 2 Chro. 33.9 c. 1 Tim. 1.3 Act. 9.1.26.9 c. 1 Tim. 1.13 15 Micah 7.18.19 Deut. 9.19 Luk. 15.13 Ob. But I haue long liued in the practise of these horrible wickednesses A. As the Labourer working but one houre had his penny Mat. 20.8 And the thiefe on the Crosse his paradise Luke 23.43 So when the wicked man turneth away from his wickednesse that hee hath committed and doeth that which is lawfull and right he shall saue his soule aliue Because hee considereth and turneth away from all his transgressions that hee hath committed hee shall surely liue hee shall not dye Ezekiel 18.27.28 Ob. Whatsoeuer you can say to the contrary my owne conscience tels me that I am no better then a condemned man A. As for the wickednesse of the wicked he shall not fall thereby in the day that hee turneth from his wickednesse Ezechiel 33.12 For when God saith vnto thee Thou shalt surely dye if thou turne from thy sinne and doe that which is lawfull and right c. thou shalt surely liue thou shalt not die c. Ezek. 33 14.15.19 Q. If the Lord should pardon vs many thousands of times yet shall wee continue to prouoke him still A. My little children these things I write vnto you that you sinne not And if any man doe sinne wee haue an aduocate with the Father Iesus Christ the righteous and hee is the propitiation for all our sinnes 1 Ioh. 2.2 For whose sake the Lord is slow to anger and plentifull in mercy Psal 103.8 Long suffering abounding in goodnesse and truth keeping mercy for thousands forgiuing iniquity transgression and sinne Exod. 34 6. Yea for his names sake will he deferre his anger and for his praise will he refraine from thee that hee cut thee not off Isa 48.9 Psal 40.11 12 86 5 Neh. 9.26 c. Ob. There is no man liuing that will forgiue after this manner how then should I in the conscience of so much guiltinesse dare to looke God in the face A. Gods thoughts are not as your thougths neyther are his wayes your wayes For as the heauens are higher then the earth so are his wayes higher then your wayes and his thoughts then your thoughts Isa 55.7 8 9. For you say if a man put away his wife and she goe from him and become another mans shall he returne vnto her againe shall not the Land be greatly polluted Notwithstanding though thou hast played the harlot with many louers yet returne againe vnto mee saith the Lord Ierem. 3.1 Ob. But besides my sinne and guiltinesse my very righteousnesses are but as filthy ragges Isa 64.6 A. Christ Iesus he was holy harmelesse vndefiled separate from sinners Heb. 7.26 And is the end of the Law for righteousnesse vnto euery one that beleeueth Rom. 10.4 For which cause this is the name by which he was called The Lord our righteounesse Ier. 33.6 Math. 3.15 Cant. 1.5 Zech. 3.3 4. Ob. But the Law seemes to impose a curse vpon those that performe not as well personall as perfect obedience vnto the same Deut. 27.26 A. The Law is not made for a righteou◠man but for the Lawlesse and disobedient For the vngodly and prophane for murtherers of fathers for murtherers of mothers for man-slayers for them that defile themselues with mankind for man-stealers for lyars for periured persons and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound Doctrine 1 Tim. 1.9 Q. These things were good indeed if my heart could be drawne to beleeue them A. Christ Iesus beeing ascended vp vnto the Father will send the Comforter vnto you And when he is come he will conuince you of righteousnesse and that vpon this ground Because he goeth vnto the Father and you shalt see him no more Ioh. 16.7 Q. What is our worke wee haue to doe for the furthering and procuring of our owne iustification A. This is the worke of God that yee beleeue on him whom hee hath sent Ioh. 6.29 And the iust shall liue by faith Hab. 2.4 For what saith the Scripture Abraham beleeued GOD and it was accounted vnto him for righteousnesse Rom. 4.3 Galathians 3.6.8 Iames 2.23 Rom. 3.21.22 For the Scripture foreseeing that GOD would iustifie the Gentiles through faith preached before the Gospell vnto Abraham saying In thee shall all the Gentiles being in themselues full of all vnrighteousnesse Rom. 1.29 be blessed Gal. 3.8 Ob. But was not Abraham our Father iustified by workes when hee had offered Isaac his Sonne vpon the Altar Iames 2.21 And will you heerein so include faith as wholly to exclude workes Iames 2.24 A. By workes Abraham was manifested but not made iust Iames 2.18 Moreouer that no man is iustified by the Law it is euident for the iust shall liue by Faith Galathians 3.11 And when wee were yet of no strength CHRIST dyed for the vngodly Romanes 5.6 to declare at this time his righteousnesse that he might be iust an◠a iustifier of him which beleeueth in Iesu◠Rom. 3.26 By whom all that beleeu◠are iustified from all things from whic◠they could not bee iustified by the Law 〈◊〉 Moses Acts 13.39 And to him tha◠worketh not but beleeueth in him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is accounte◠vnto him for righteousnesse Rom. 4.5 Moreouer the Law is weake through th◠flesh Rom. 8.3 And all hauing sinnes
Rom. 3.23 by the Law comes the knowledge of sinne Rom. 3.20 Whereby sâ— many as are of the workes of the Law arâ— vnder the curse Gal. 3.10 Whereupon the Gentiles which followed not righteousnes haue attained to righteousnes euen the righteousnesse which is of faith But Israel which followed after the Law of righteousnes hath not attained the Law of righteousnes wherefore because they sought it not by faith but as it were by the workes of the Law For they stumbled at the stumbling stone Rom. 9.30 And if Abraham were iustified by workes he hath whereof to glorie but not before GOD Rom. 4.2 Seeing then it is one God which shall iustifie the circumcision by faith and vncircumcision through faith Rom. 3.30 Therefore wee conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the deeds of the Law Rom. 3.28 1 Cor. 4.4 Rom. 3 21 22. Gal. 2.16 3.8.4.3.2 Ob. But there rose vp certaine of the sect of the Pharises which beleeued saying That it was needfull to circumcise them and commanded to keepe the whole Law of Moses Acts 15.5 A. Men and brethren you know how that a good while agoe God made choyce among vs that the Gentiles by my mouth should heare the Word of the Gospell and beleeue now therefore these men did but tempt God in putting a yoke vpon the necke of the Disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to beare Acts 15.7.10 Ob. Moses himselfe describeth the righteousnesse which is of the Law that the man which doth those things shall liue by them A. But the righteousnesse which is 〈◊〉 faith speaketh on this wise Say noâ— thou in thine heart Who shall ascenâ— into Heauen that is to bring downe CHRIST from aboue Or who shalâ— descend downe into the deepe that is to bring CHRIST from the dead But what saith it The Word is nigh thee euen in thy mouth and in thine heart that is the Word of faith which wee preach And which with the heart wee beleeue vnto righteousnesse Rom. 10.6 Q. Is the Law then against the promise A. GOD forbid For if there had beene a Law giuen which could haue giuen life verily righteousnesse should haue beene by the Law but the Scripture hath concluded all vnder sinne that the promise of the faith of IESVS CHRIST might bee giuen to them that beleeue Gal. 3.21 Q. If righteousnesse be not by the Law why was it exhibited The Law was added because of transgressions till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made Galathians 3.19 And it was our Schoolemaster to bring vs to Christ Gal. 3.24 Moreouer the Law entred that the offence might abound but where sinne abounded grace did much more abound that as sinne had reigned vnto death so might grace reigne through righteousnesse vnto eternall life by IESVS CHRIST our Lord Romanes 5.20 21. Ob. But if while wee seeke to bee iustified by CHRIST wee our selues are found sinners Is therefore Christ the minister of sinne Gal. 2.17 A. GOD forbid For if I builde againe the things which I destroyed I make my selfe a trespasser For I through the Law am deade to the Law that I might liue vnto GOD Gal. 2.17 You therefore are as free anâ— not vsing your liberty for a cloke of maliciousnesse but as the seruants of God 1 Pet 2.16 But if ye are lead by the spirit ye arâ— not vnder the Law Gal. 5.18 The fruitâ— whereof is loue ioy peace long-suffering gentlense goodnes faith meeknes teÌ„perance against such there is no Law Gal. 5.22 Q. You haue well satisfied me in the article of iustification tell me therefore what vse I am to make thereof A. 1 Let the wicked forsake his way and the vnrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne vnto the Lord for hee will haue mercy vpon him and to our God for hee will abundantly pardon Isai 55.7 and will blot out their sinnes when the time of refreshing shall come Acts 3.19 But if they will not obey his voyce let them beware of him for hee will not pardon their transgressions Exo. 23.21 But the soule that doth presumptuously shall be cut off from among his people Numbers 15.30 31. 2. Take vnto you words and turne vnto the Lord and say vnto him Take away all iniquity and receiue vs graciousty Hosea 14.2 Pardon I beseech thee mine iniquities according to the greatnesse of thy mercies Numb 14.19 And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall no man liuing be iustified Psal 143.2 and 41.4.51.1 c. 25.11 3 Because when you haue thus praied the Lord wil say I haue pardoned according to thy words Num. 14.20 therfore hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plentifull redemptionâ— Psal 130.7 131.3 4 Say Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgresions of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for euer because he delighteth in mercy Micah 7.18 Psal 103.1 c. Isa 44.23 5 Say Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods children It is God that iustifieth who is he that condemneth It is Christ that is dead yea rather that is risen againe who is euen at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for vs Rom. 8.33 For in the Lord shall the seed of Israel be iustified shall glory Isa 45.25 61.10 6 Account therefore all things but losse for the excellent knowledge of Christ Iesus your Lord. For whom Paul also suffered the losse of all things and did account them but dung that he might winne Christ and be found in him not hauing his owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the righteousnesse which is of GOD through faith Phil. 3.8.9 and 3.3 c. 7 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free and be not intangled againe in the yoke of bondage Gal. 5.1 8 What shall wee say then shall wee continue still in sinne that grace may abound God forbid Rom. 6.1 2. And shall wee sinne because we are not vnder the Law but vnder grace God forbid For brethren you haue beene called vnto liberty onely vse not your liberty for an occasion to the flesh Gal. 5.13 Romanes 7.5 6 2 Cor. 5.14 15. 1 Peter 4.1 c. Rom. 7.1 c. 8.12 9 Be ye kind one to another tender hearted forgiuing one another euen as God for Christs sake hath forgiuen you Eph. 4.32 For if you forgiue men their trespasses your heauenly Father will also forgiue â—ou But if you doe not forgiue men their trespasses no more will your heauenly Father forgiue you your trespasses Math. 6.14.15 Col. 3.13 Mat. 18.22 Math. 18.33 CHAP. VI. Reconciliation Q. YOu hauing thus dispatched the promise of iustification tell me what grace is that which doth next and immediately flow from it A. Beeing iustified by faith wee haue peace towards God through our Lord Iesus Christ